Learning Disabilities
October 17, 2007
by
findingDulcinea Staff
Albert Einstein, John Lennon, Winston Churchill, Walt Disney, and many other extremely successful people in history overcame learning disabilities despite a lack of information and tools to help them. Today, those with learning disabilities have the benefit of technology to help them succeed in learning and in life. Take a tour through the world of learning disability information online and learn about symptoms, the importance of proper diagnosis, treatment plans, and available resources.
Expand All Guide SectionsLearning Disability Overview
"Learning disability" is a catchall phrase that encompasses many learning and processing ... read more »
Types of Learning Disabilities
When most people think of a learning disability, they may have one particular learning disability in mind, but there are many types of LDs. Some of these include dyscalculia (trouble with math), dysgraphia (trouble with writing), and dyspraxia (difficulty with fine motor skills). The sites below can help you understand the specifics of a few common disabilities.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you or your child suffers from a learning disability that's more "obscure" than the ones listed below, don't despair. The general sites mentioned earlier in this guide are an excellent source of information for all LDs.
- Many techniques for compensating for a learning disability can apply to more than one disorder. It doesn't hurt to research and read up on various disabilities, as you may find helpful tips.
Dulcinea's Picks
For information on dyslexia (difficulty with reading) ...
The International Dyslexia Association
(IDA) is the oldest organization in the United States, serving individuals with dyslexia, their families, and educators. The site offers fact sheets, a bookstore, and exhaustive links to other LD organizations, and moderately active forums. Membership is required and fees range from $70 for individuals to $795 for corporations.
Dyslexia Teacher
is a U.K.-based site selling a product (a dyslexia certification course) but it's also a lively, useful resource featuring case studies, news and research, and the absorbing "Dot's Diary" (written by a teacher).
Dyslexia Online Magazine
has a cluttered layout, but there's helpful information to be found here in the form of many first-person articles written by parents, teachers, and even a few students. It's affiliated with Dyslexia Teacher, above.
For information on dyscalculia (difficulty with math) ...
Dyscalculia.org
provides several links on dyscalculia topics including symptoms, diagnosis/best practices, classroom techniques, and learning strategies.
For information on dysgraphia (difficulty with writing) ...
West Virginia University
features only a one-page overview of this disorder but offers a 41-item list of learning strategies and workarounds that could be of real value.
For information on dyspraxia (difficulty with fine motor skills) ...
Dyspraxia USA
focuses solely on this disorder and symptoms, along with information on testing, international links, an events calendar, and even a free dyspraxia video workshop. Yearly memberships are $30 but information is accessible to all on the site.
For information on other learning disorders ...
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
provides a lengthy analysis of auditory processing disorders (not related to deafness) in children, including a list of organizations that can provide further information.
NLDline
focuses on nonverbal learning disorders of various kinds. The site is text-heavy with a long menu on the left-hand side, but features many articles you won't find anywhere else, the latest research, a pen pal feature, extensive links, and the uplifting "What I Love About My NLD Child" section.
Who knew?
The University of Washington Office of News and Information
site features an intriguing article titled "Brain images show individual dyslexic children respond to spelling treatment." The article examines successful learning strategies that generated detectable changes in brain activity
Overcoming a Learning Disability
The arc for treating a learning disability usually goes something like this: assessment, evaluation ... read more »
Support for Those with Learning Disabilities
If you or your child is struggling with an LD, plenty of help is available. Seek out sites with a ... read more »
Learning Disabilities, College, and the Workforce
Creating a transition plan is extremely important for teens with learning disabilities. A ... read more »
Learning Disability News and Research
Many sites are actively monitoring medical and scientific literature to learn about the latest ... read more »
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